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Topic: Tents (Read 4493 times)

The one vs two door tent is definitely a matter of personal preference.

Exactly, it is a preference, not a need. I don't think anyone said an extra door or a vestibule or two were a bad thing, merely that they weren't a necessity. Someone certainly can prefer two of each.

I am sure how much difference multiple doors make depends on the design of the tent. None of the tents I used ever required us to climb over each other. A single side door might require more climbing over and make a second door more desirable. Our's all had a end door either at our heads or our feet. With some cafe we were generally able to climb in or out without waking each other. I have never shared a tent with a side door (other than with my dog).

On the subject of vestibules, none of us on my tours were inclined to bring in much gear. It mostly stayed on our bikes. The tents I shared on tours had exactly zero vestibules and I didn't miss them.

One door or two doors? The tent I use on RAGBRAI is a good sized four man tent with two doors and two vestibules. I sometimes share this tent with another person. Not once have we ever used more than one door and vestibule. We put the sleeping pads in it so our feet are at the door we use and our heads are at the door we do not use. We never ever use the other door and vestibule. So I don't think having more than one door would matter at all to me.

Unless you're traveling with a good buddy or girl friend/wife, a single tent is nice, a little private space at the end of the day. I carried this tent on my cross country ride and use it still for bike touring and solo backpacking--great tent! Can often be found for $150 or less:

Sierra Designs Light Year 1--3 lbs. Needs only three stakes. I'm 6'4" and it has plenty of room.